August 31, 2015

Living Digital Lifestyle with Katai4


Kata i4 is a 5-inch Super HD, Android 4.4, 1.7GHz Octa Core, 16MP+8MP Camera, 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage and FREE 35GB Online Storage.

Living life to the fullest, as having my Kata i4 32GB (Black), doing great things, like travelling, family and fiends meetups, and events coverages for my online and printing magazine.

I really enjoy great viewing experience in bright colors and super clear graphics.


https://instagram.com/p/6ysnePsJR-/  /  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205905699174620&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater

https://instagram.com/p/6_i2fqMJcZ/ /  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205936032412932&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater
https://instagram.com/p/6zN-ajsJW1/  / https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205906463233721&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater

https://instagram.com/p/6zTeteMJdO/  / https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205906636758059&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater
https://instagram.com/p/6zZdHMsJVK/   /  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205906857683582&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater

Here's a video captured by Katai4

Vanness Wu at the Levis Ph 2015 Women's Collection Launch





Updates :

Kata i4 white available for pre-order for only P7,499. 5-inch Super HD, Android 4.4, 1.7GHz Octa Core, 16MP+8MP Camera, 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage & FREE 35GB Online Storage. Please visit Kata outlets near you for the Kata I4 White pre-order and pay P200 reservation fee. 

Reserve yours at any Kata outlets nationwide and get a FREE Kata 4,400 mAh Powerbank!



Please refer to http://www.katadigital.com.ph/store-location/ for the complete list of KATA outlet locations.

For more details , visit the online networks of Kata Digital Philippines

Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" featuring Kendrick Lamar wins 2015 MTV Video of the Year

The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards revealed the winners held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on Sunday night, August 30, 2015 and hosted by Miley Cyrus.


Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" video and Nicki Minaj's opening performance dominating the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards night!

Here's the MTV Video Music Awards 2015 Winners List

Best Male Video-    "Uptown Funk" (Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson)
Best Hip Hop Video-  "Anaconda," Nicki Minaj
Best Female Video-   "Blank Space," Taylor Swift
Video with a Social Message-"One Night Can Change the World," Big Sean (feat. Kanye West and John Legend)
Video Vanguard- Kanye West
Artist to Watch-Fetty Wap
Video of the Year-"Bad Blood," Taylor Swift (with Kendrick Lamar)
Pre-Show
Best Rock Video-Fall Out Boy, "Uma Thurman"
Best Pop Video-Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"
Song of Summer-5 Seconds Of Summer, "She's Kinda Hot

Congrats to all the winners! 

Best Male Video-"Uptown Funk" (Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson)




Best Hip Hop Video-"Anaconda," Nicki Minaj




Best Female Video-"Blank Space," Taylor Swift


Video with a Social Message-"One Night Can Change the World," Big Sean (feat. Kanye West and John Legend)



Video Vanguard-Kanye West

Artist to Watch-Fetty Wap

Video of the Year-"Bad Blood," Taylor Swift (with Kendrick Lamar)



Pre-Show
Best Rock Video-Fall Out Boy, "Uma Thurman"



Best Pop Video-Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"




Song of Summer-5 Seconds Of Summer, "She's Kinda Hot


Liza Soberano is on the cover of Metro Magazine's Fashion Issue (September 2015)


The rising star Liza Soberano, photographed by Doc Marlon Pecjo, shares her journey in Metro’s Three-Cover Big Fashion Issue Shot in California.

The September issue is Metro’s ode to California, where many fashion and retail insiders, the likes of Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford, have heeded the call of perpetual sunshine and a more holistic and relaxed, yet still glamorous, lifestyle.

September is the most important month in fashion all over the world, and Metro takes this very seriously. Each year, they fly to a stylish destination with some of the most exciting style icons of today—from John Lloyd Cruz in Paris, Ruffa Gutierrez to Florence, Iza Calzado in Barcelona, and Solenn Heussaff in Belgium.


This year is no different, as Metro has gone all out by tracing cover star Liza Soberano’s proverbial journey from her quiet hometown to the iconic silver screen mecca. The team took the Forevermore star on an epic roadtrip, a grand production that had the team flying into San Francisco, moving towards San Jose, and traveling all the way to Los Angeles.


“As a prelude to the whirlwind of adulthood that lies ahead for the young star, we wanted to give her a moment of respite from an intense work schedule, and create an opportunity to stroll down memory lane, but also find the inspiration to crank up her craft as an actress,” explains Editor-in-Chief Sarah Meier. “And what better way than to bring her to California? The place that so soundly encapsulates both her past and possible future.”

Liza emerges spread after spread in the best of American brands—from DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Coach, Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, and Tommy Hilfiger.

“I want to keep giving you the absolute best of fashion, empowering women, beauty, luxury, and lifestyle every month. I want to show you examples of people and things that really exist in this world; because they’re out there, and I believe that you, our discerning reader, deserves to be in their company,” says Meier of the September offering.

The issue also includes photo essays inspired by California life, and inspiring stories of Filipino influencers making waves internationally. Through these, she hopes to highlight the “…fantastic creators and creations, events and experiences that amplify our appreciation of what lies on the other end of hard work.”

Fashion remains at the forefront of this issue, with exclusive features on L.A.-based Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino, an interview with top Hollywood celebrity stylists, and a special visit to Tory Burch’s new boutique in Paris. Guides on how to revamp your wardrobe using any of the 438 new Fall looks are found inside, as well as an exhaustive Fall/Winter trend report that will leave you confident on how to update your clothes, accessories, and makeup this the season.

Liza Soberano photographed by Doc Marlon Pecjo on the cover of Metro Magazine's Fashion Issue (September 2015)

Creative Direction & Styling: Rex Atienza
Make-Up: Mickey See
Hair: Mhar Cabradilla and Fredal Santo

Check out all these and more in the Metro September 2015, now out in major bookstores. Metro is available in bookstores and on newsstands for P175. Like Metro on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Metro.Magazine) and follow Metro on Twitter and Instagram (@MetroMagPH). #MetroLovesLiza #MetroMagPH #MetroSeptember2015



Check this out Moms! Philips AVENT Comfortable Anywhere

Philips AVENT is proud to announce the launch of COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE: Breastfeeding at Work, an advocacy that encourages offices across the country to make it easier and more comfortable for moms to breastfeed in the workplace by setting up breastfeeding rooms. As part of its commitment to helping mothers breastfeed for longer, the activity coincides with World Breastfeeding Month in the Philippines.


"At Philips AVENT we’re committed to supporting parents and their babies, giving them the best start in life to set the stage for healthy futures. We know that most new moms want to breastfeed their baby because they believe it’s healthier for them," RJ Buenaventura, General Manager for Philips Consumer Lifestyle, shared.

It is recommended that a mother exclusively feeds her child on breast milk for the first six months. For the working mom, expressing milk at the work place is often difficult. First of all, time management upon returning to work is a challenge. This is made even more stressful when moms’ workplaces do not have good facilities where they could pump freely. These factors show that mothers are lacking support to balance their careers and breastfeeding.

By fostering work environments that make it possible to balance the demands of breastfeeding and work, mothers will be more productive and able to continue their career pursuits, and their children will benefit directly with improved health and well-being.

“We believe that breastfeeding moms should feel comfortable wherever they choose to breastfeed, whether at home or at work,” says Pia Umayam, Business Development Manager for Philips AVENT. “A breastfeeding room at the workplace should offer moms not only a hygienic, private and comfortable place to breastfeed but go the extra mile to make a real difference during a very precious time in their lives. Through this advocacy, we want to help corporate offices set up these breastfeeding rooms and support the breastfeeding moms in those workplaces.” 

The COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE advocacy also supports a government directive (RA No. 10028) which mandates every health and non-health institutions to have a breastfeeding room or lactation station. 

The advocacy was launched in a gathering of media, homemakers and potential corporate partners. During the event, Dr. Seizan Marie “Yogi” Reyes, a physician, mother of three and breastfeeding advocate, talked about the importance of breastfeeding at home and at work while Umayam presented the advocacy and showcased Philips’ own breastfeeding room in the office. 

As part of the advocacy, Philips encourages corporate offices to sign up for the COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE program where Philips can help design ideal breastfeeding spaces and also give support to moms in that workplace through Philips AVENT breastfeeding packs. 

To be part of the COMFORTBLE ANYWHERE advocacy, email Lester Hernandez at lester.hernandez@philips.com. For more information on Philips AVENT, log on to www.philips.com.ph or check the Philips AVENT Philippines facebook fan page.

Kata M3 now available in stores and Lazada


Kata M3 is now available in stores and online store Lazada. For those who availed of the pre-order, you can get your phone now.

Browse through your daily tasks seamlessly with Kata M3's 5.5-inch Super HD Display.
5.5in Super HD Display 1280x720
Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

MTK 6592 1.7GHz Octacore

2GB RAM

16GB Internal Storage + 35GB Free Online Storage

16MP Main Camera

8MP Front Camera

3300mAh removeable battery


Product details of Kata M3 with Free Tempered Glass Screen Protector

SKU KA082ELAY8VNANPH-1374869 

Camera Back (Megapixels) 16 

Camera Front (Megapixels) 8 

Display Size 5.5 

Operating System 

Android 4.4 Kitkat 

Size (L x W x H cm) 7.7 x .9 x 15 

Weight (kg) .2 

Number of SIM Slots 2 

SIM card type Dual 

Storage Capacity 16 

Price ₱ 7,999.00 

Product warranty 1 year warranty


Kata M3 price is P9499. However, you can also avail the Kata M3 Metrobank promo wherein you can purchase Kata M3 at 25% off for only P8250 using your Metrobank credit card under 3m months 0% installment plan only. Kata M3 White limited edition special introductory price is P7999


Kata M3 now available on all Kata outlets and at Lazada.com.ph

August 30, 2015

Smart unveils unbeatable plans for Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled its unbeatable postpaid offers for the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, aimed at giving you a much bigger Smart Life experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is available under the fully consumable and customizable All-In Plan 1200, with a one-time cash-out of P15,576 or P649 per month via credit card under a contract of 24 months.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Edge Plus is available under the feature-packed Surf Plus Plan 1999 under a contract of 24 months, with a one-time cash-out of P7,500.


Beyond Cutting-edge technology

“Both the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus are the embodiment of style-meets-function-meets-cutting-edge technology, and you can make the most of their amazing features only with the country’s biggest and most advanced network,” said Kathy Carag, Smart Postpaid marketing head.

“For sure, with these latest flagship devices, you can experience the Smart Life and enjoy the widest breadth of mobile content and offers that only our robust network can deliver – from your choice of apps, games, music, movies and more all at your fingertips.”


Galaxy Note 5 at All-In Plan 1200


With All-In Plan 1200, you can maximize the features of the Galaxy Note 5 by choosing from over 30 Flexibundles reflecting your passion, lifestyle and communication needs.

For example, you can consume your All-In Plan 1200 by subscribing to Big Bytes 799 to enjoy 4.5GB data for all your surfing needs, as well as Trinet Plus 399, which gives you 500 minutes of calls to Smart, Sun, TNT and PLDT landline, and 2000 texts to all networks.



Galaxy S6 Edge Plus at Surf Plus Plan 1999

On the other hand, you can optimize your Galaxy S6 Edge Plus with Surf Plus Plan 1999, which packs a supersized 9GB of data allowance, 150 minutes of calls and 200 texts to all networks, plus your choice of free app every month – be it Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spinnr, among many others.

As an added perk, all new and recontracting subscribers for Plans 799 and above get a month’s subscription to the Smart Life Entertainment Bundle 299 for free. This gives them an additional of data for streaming their favorite movies and TV shows on Fox via Viewstream or iFlix, plus access to a host of apps like YouTube, Snapchat, Google, FBMessenger. The bundle also comes with 50 minutes of calls to Smart and TNT; and 500 texts to all networks – on top of the inclusions of their existing plan.


Tens of thousands of new Smart Postpaid subscribers

Smart expects these latest Samsung devices to sustain its remarkable growth in the first half of the year as tens of thousands of new subscribers signed up to enjoy Smart Postpaid’s attractive device and content bundles, backed by the country’s widest LTE network.

Unveiled during Samsung’s Unpacked Event at the New York Lincoln Center last Aug.13, both the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus feature a gorgeous 5.7-inch Quad High Definition screen, a 16-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera, Dual-SIM feature and a 64-bit Octa-Core processor running the latest Android operating system Lollipop.

Be the first to get hold of the Samsung Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus by signing up at smart.com.ph/postpaid/phones/SamsungNote5.

To stay updated on the latest Smart Postpaid offers: 
Log on to smart.com.ph
Follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications) and Twitter (@SMARTCares) for updates.

Elha Nympha is now The Voice Kids PH 2' Grand Champion !


Elha Nympha is now The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2' Grand Champion! 

The winner of season 2 of The Voice Kids Elha from Team Bamboo did the final song "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" up to the powerful climax.

“The Voice Kids” grand champion take home a recording contract from MCA Music Inc., a music instrument package, a family utility vehicle, a house and lot worth P2 million, P1 million cash, and a P1 million trust fund.

ABS-CBN top rating reality singing competition The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2 held the two-part season finale live at the Resorts World Manila, August 30, 2015. 

The amazing talented top 4 Finalists — Reynan Dal-Anay, Esang de Torres, Sassa Dagdag and Elha Nympha — perform live and gave his or her own strenghths from beginning of the competition and up to the finale.

For the final performance to showcase their vocal talent, they performed a power ballad song. 

Sassa did "Next In Line."

Reynan performed a rousing version of "Magkaisa." 

Elha did "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin."

Esang sang "Somewhere."

The Philippine reality singing competition The Voice Kids second season on ABS-CBN. Lea Salonga, Bamboo Mañalac and Sarah Geronimo returned to the show as coaches. Luis Manzano also returned as host, with Robi Domingo and Yeng Constantino as the show's backstage and media hosts.

Congratulations Elha! and Congrats to all #TVK2Finale! 

August 29, 2015

Globe boosts your favorite promos with the Free Facebook and Viber

(L-R) Globe Vice President for Prepaid Brand and Portfolio Management Raymond Policarpio, Globe Director for TM Brand and Portfolio Management Trina Sebastian, Globe Vice President for Content Jil Go, and Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Daniel Horan.
The country’s number 1 mobile brand Globe Telecom continues its drive to position the Philippines as the Digital Lifestyle Capital of the World by giving customers free access to Facebook and Viber with their favorite Globe call, text, and surf promos. 

Starting September 1, 2015, all Globe Postpaid, Prepaid, TM and Tattoo customers can enjoy free access to Facebook and Viber when subscribed to promos including GoSURF variants and other existing call and text promos such as GOUNLI, ALLNETCOMBO and TMSULITXT, among others without the need for a Wi-Fi connection.

​FULL FREE FACEBOOK EXPERIENCE​
As the only telco in the country to offer a free full Facebook experience, customers will be able to view photos, stream videos uploaded on Facebook, as well as post, like, share and make comments on the social networking site. Globe Prepaid and TM customers subscribed to their promos will automatically get free access Facebook. Postpaid customers on the other hand can opt-in by texting FREE FB ON to 8888.

​​
​VAST VIBER FUN
Alongside Facebook, the browsing experience is made even better with free access to Viber. Customers can enjoy sending stickers, chatting with friends and groups, and staying connected with other Viber users around the world. Those registered to a Globe text promo can get Free Viber chat, which includes sending and receiving messages, as well as stickers, doodles, and photos. Exploring public chat is also free. When registered to a call or surf promo, customers can enjoy Free Viber chat, complete with voice and video calls. Postpaid customers can instantly enjoy Free Viber call and chat for the entire promo duration.

​MOBILE DATA LEADERSHIP
Globe continued to dominate the country’s mobile data segment after posting mobile browsing and other data revenues of P9.5 billion in the first six months of the year, a 53% growth from previous year’s level at P6.2 billion. On a quarterly basis, second quarter 2015 revenues reached P5.1 billion, up 16% from previous quarter at P4.4 billion.

This achievement brought the contribution of mobile data revenues to total mobile revenues by 23% as of 1st half of 2015, coming from 16% the previous year.

With mobile data business growing at a rapid pace, data users from overall Globe mobile customer base have grown to 37% during the same period, a substantial increase from previous year’s 17%. Wireless data traffic on the Globe network has also increased by 82% year-on-year with the growing number of smartphone users and applications that leverage the internet.

To support the growing demand for bandwidth-heavy services such as broadband and data, Globe spent around P11.4 billion in capital expenditures in the first half of 2015.

For more information on Free Facebook, text FREE FB HELP or FREE FB STATUS to 8888 or visit www.globe.com.ph

To know more about accessing Viber for free, visit www.globe.com.ph/freeviber.

The Medical City Liver Center Launches LIGTAS

Imelda Guzman, the mother of a liver transplant recipient, says she has a strong desire to meet and bond with families who, like them, have a loved one in need of or have undergone a liver transplant operation.
When she and daughter Marilda went to Manila for a vacation last April, they took time to visit four-year-old Aga Fulgencio who was then recovering from his liver transplant operation performed on February 17, 2015 at The Medical City (TMC). Marilda underwent the same operation in 2013 also at TMC.

“In my own way, I would like to offer our support and share our experiences with Aga’s family,” says Guzman.

Waiting for or living with liver transplant can be difficult. Thus, having support from family and friends can be very helpful. 

“The patient and his family may also benefit from joining a support group of people who understand what the patient is going through,” says Dr. Vanessa de Villa, head of TMC’s Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation (CLDMT).


With this in mind, CLDMT in coordination with TMC’s Center for Patient Partnership (CPP) is launching the Liver Transplant Information and Guidance Through Awareness and Support or LIGTAS support group.

LIGTAS is designed to offer support and education to liver transplant recipients, candidates, caregivers and family members. It provides a forum for sharing information and experiences and helps patients and their loved ones better understand and cope with the issues and concerns associated with liver transplant. 

The support group uses a multidisciplinary approach in providing social and wellness support and education on liver health and disease to its members. LIGTAS is facilitated by a set of professionals engaged in allied medical, administrative and support services. 

“All liver transplant candidates, recipients and their families are eligible to join LIGTAS. They just need to fill up an application form which can be secured from the CLDMT office at TMC Ortigas,” says Dr. De Villa.

Dr. De Villa, a liver transplant surgeon, has worked in some of the best transplant centers in the world and plays a lead role in the development of liver transplant in the country. Since 2011, CLDMT under her leadership has done eight liver transplant operations.

In January 2011, TMC performed the first successful pediatric liver transplant in the country with three-year-old Catherine Erica Buenaventura as patient. Erica then had a living donor, her 17-year-old uncle.

Marilda and Aga were TMC’s third and 7th liver transplant recipients respectively. 

“We have proven again that we can do successful liver transplants here at The Medical City. The expertise is here, the technology, the system and all the auxiliary services are ready. We can offer our patients in the Philippines the same world-class quality healthcare that overseas liver centers provide,” says Dr. De Villa.

Dr. De Villa is also thankful for the generous support of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) led by its General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II. The PCSO, through a formal partnership with TMC, has been very committed in giving liver transplant patients financial assistance.

Aside from the generous financial aid, Rojas also makes it a point to personally visit these patients, to talk to them and provide moral support.

“We at CLDMT and the PCSO will further strengthen our partnership as we seek to reach out to more patients in dire need of liver transplantation,” adds Dr. De Villa. 

The CLDMT is a specialty unit that offers a comprehensive array of diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with liver diseases and liver tumors through an integrated and highly skilled multidisciplinary, patient-partnership approach. 

It is otherwise known as The Medical City Liver Center and may be reached through 9887000 local 6506.

At least 3,000 highest need PHS students in MM receive STEM equipment, materials from Caltex Fuel Your School


Manila, Philippines – About 3,000 students from the highest-need, senior-ready public high schools in Metro Manila are now learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with the help of brand new equipment received recently from the Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS) program of Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of high-quality brand of Caltex fuels and lubricants.


A global Chevron social investment program that was first introduced in the country this year, Caltex FYS involved motorists and the public who supported the said campaign during the donation period wherein every 4-liter fuel purchase in any of the 153 Caltex stations in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Cavite generated one peso donation to fund the projects.

Chevron aims to reach a P5M donation fund or at least P150,000 per target beneficiary school. This amount was met during the fuel-up drive and social media campaign from June 15 to July 15, 2015. This funded the 28 STEM classroom proposals that were shortlisted by program partner American Chamber Foundation as submitted by 27 of the 33 schools pre-selected by DepEd as schools most in need of support in Metro Manila. 

The delivery of the STEM teaching tools such as laboratory equipment, engineering kits, scientific calculators, laptops, tablets and multi-media projectors to the schools were received with both delight and tears by the teacher-proponents, most of whom were still having a hard time believing their wishes had come true.

Kalayaan High School in Pasay City, teacher/project proponent Reynaldo Cordova said that “[These] brand new electronics and technical apparatus will help realize the dreams of the poorest of the poor students [of Kalayaan High School] of becoming free from poverty”. In Pasay City South High School, on the other hand, teacher/project proponent Jonalyn Suzara requested 303 units of brand new scientific calculators. “I can vividly remember how my students use palengke-style calculators in computing. They were complaining, ‘Ma’am, we cannot make logarithmic computations here.’ That will not be a problem anymore with these scientific calculators,” added Suzara.

Some of the teachers got emotional upon receiving their requested STEM equipment and materials. In Carlos L. Albert High School in Quezon City where most students have limited or no access to the Internet, teachers vouched that the state-of-the-art multimedia materials from Caltex FYS will help students learn faster through interactive participation. Said a teary-eyed Cecilia Biapo, the school’s science department head, “In the past, storms and typhoons forms were discussed through ‘MP3’ or ‘Manila Paper 1, 2, 3’. Now, we have 48-inch flat screen TV! Who wouldn’t want to see animations of cyclogenesis with that?” she relayed. 

Other schools took a step closer to their specific academic visions after receiving the STEM equipment. Imelda Quiban, the STEM department head of Pitogo High School in Makati City, shared, “To craft the finest biochemistry research, our student-researchers used to rent an autoclave – or sterilizer machine in a university in Laguna for PhP5,000. But now, we have our own! Whereas we were forced to use ‘vintage’ equipment, now our autoclave is shiny and brand new. Thanks to Caltex, our school will soon be the ‘center of science research’ in Makati.” 

To help spread awareness and thus enable more people to donate and like the projects posted in the FYS website, the Caltex campaign also ran a Facebook component, prompting several of the schools to devise gimmicks and strategies to rack up votes. Caloocan National Science and Technology High School, the smallest school among the shortlisted schools in terms of student population, emerged as the victor after getting the most number of votes. Teacher/project proponent Fel Rose Ignacio despite their relatively small school population campaigned to the students through a daily “Facebook voting hour” and had the students view the instructional video she and her co-teachers created exclusively for Caltex FYS. She recalled, “We uploaded this video and shared the link to the dedicated Facebook page in which all of our students were members, then they utilized the ‘web-of-mouth’ strategy and shared with their network.”

Also in the top three based on the Facebook voting rank are Culiat High School in Quezon City and Pasay City East High School. All three schools received a new laptop each as a bonus prize in addition to the STEM materials they asked for, for the untiring but fruitful campaigning both in social media and fuel-up drive.

Motorists and the social media community played a significant role in the Caltex FYS program. Entrepreneur Mich Mori said, “I supported the campaign because I wanted to do my part in helping these kids have a bright future. Who would’ve thought that a portion of my weekly gas expense can turn into something beneficial?” Blogger Andy Nieva meanwhile relayed, “When you see, read, and like the [Caltex FYS] projects on Facebook, you somehow turn a leisure [activity] into valuable support for the beneficiary children. In this little way, I fueled up the dreams of these students to become a reality.”

According to Olivia Dagdag, the principal of Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo High School in Quezon City, “I set the direction of our school and that is to achieve our Caltex FYS project. Unity is the key to success. That is why I believe the Caltex FYS program became successful not only because of our school initiative, but also with the collaboration of the motorists, the community, and the private sector.” 

Raissa Bautista, manager for CPI’s Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, explained that the company believes that “Education is the greatest equalizer. The combination of quality school equipment provided by Caltex FYS, passionate teachers, and motivated students will make education a very powerful tool for economic growth and sustainability.” 

Caltex Fuel Your School is part of CPI’s Energy for Learning Initiative which supports educational programs that create opportunities for individuals to acquire new knowledge, gain new skills, and be exposed to different ways of thinking. To find out more about the STEM projects of the beneficiary schools, go to www.CaltexFuelYourSchoolPH.com.

Jardine showcases various home protection products at ICONEX 2015

Jardine Distribution Inc. joins one of Iloilo City’s most popular construction expos, ICONEX 2015, last June 22 to 28 at SM City Iloilo.
Supporting the continuous growth of construction industry by participating in different expos across the country, Jardine Distribution Inc. (JDI) recently joined the Iloilo Construction Expo 2015 (ICONEX) from June 22 to 28 at SM City Iloilo.
Jardine Distribution Inc. receives a certificate of participation from one of Iloilo City’s most popular construction expos, ICONEX 2015, last June 22 to 28 at SM City Iloilo.
Now on its third year, Iconex is organized by a group of local architects and engineers to showcase different construction materials that ensure better and more durable houses for Filipino homeowners. The event likewise allows people engaged in the construction industry to connect with each other, opening doors of opportunity for them.

Through the years, Iloilo has witnessed quiet yet constant changes in its structure. The physical manifestations of these changes can be seen in different building and rebuilding construction works in the city. Positioning itself as one of the major cities in Visayas, Iloilo’s construction industry is booming resulting in the city’s economic growth.
JDI’s booth at the annual ICONEX construction draws scores of people, including architects, contractors, engineers, and homeowners. 
“We will never miss this one because Iloilo City is booming and we support the city all the way!” said Peachy Tiu, Marketing Manager “We are present in different construction expos to enlighten everyone on the latest trends in home protection. We innovate and add new products from time to time to offer better ways to protect our prized investment, which is our home.” 

During the expo, JDI highlighted its total waterproofing solutions just in time for the start of the rainy season. The company offers a wide array of home protection products such as Sureseal Elastomeric Sealant, Super Thoroseal, Optimum Flex, and Waterplug.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) is engaged in the marketing and distribution of leading agricultural products, applied construction materials, and home pest solutions. Wholly owned by Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, JDI operates within the framework of Hong Kong-based Jardine Engineering Corporation.
JDI, which joined the expo for the first time, highlighted its total waterproofing solutions just in time for the start of the rainy season.

For more information on Jardine Home Protection Products, visit http://jardinedistribution.com/. 

PLDT through PLDT SME Nation partner with Microsoft launched Digital Campus Suite

The nation’s leading telecommunication and multi-media service provider Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), through its business unit PLDT SME Nation, and partnered with Global IT giant Microsoft Philippines, had launched the "Digital Campus Suite" a new service package that will enable students, academe and even their parents access to online learning programs and to earn  Information Technology certification for critical IT skills that are now in demand in today’s digitally driven industries.

Through the Digital Campus Suite, schools and universities will have high-speed connectivity with PLDT myDSL Biz or iGate, an online access to training courses of the Microsoft IT Academy Program.
PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan

Last Wednesday, August 26, 2015, during the Digital Campus Suite launched held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shared “We at PLDT are confident that this partnership can significantly contribute to enriching the digital content of Philippine education. By enabling schools through these programs, we are helping them, both educator and student, to gain new critical skills and lean IT courses with globally competitive technology programs that have become essential in today’s digital workplace.”

Though the Digital Campus Suite, schools will have high-speed connectivity with PLDT myDSL Biz or iGate and online access to training courses of the Microsoft IT Academy Program. 

Schools will receive licenses to Microsoft Office 365 to help students and teachers interact and teach using Cloud tools and platforms.

Educators and students will have access to the digital curriculum and earn IT certifications in the Microsoft IT Academy Program for fundamental technology skills, as well as courses that enable students to become more competitive for employment.

The suite also includes laptops, tablets, and WiFi access points in campus to enhance the overall digital education experience.

PLDT SME Nation, Microsoft and COCOPEA have joined forces for a digital innovation that will help change the landscape of Philippine education. In photo, from left, are: PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, COCOPEA Chair Bro. Jun Erguiza, FSC, Ed. D, Microsoft Philippines Country Manager Karrie Ilagan, PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT SME Nation FVP and Head of SME Business Kat Luna-Abelarde and APAC Education Partner Director Rani Burchmore.

A study conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) revealed that increased spending on IT cloud services will open up an estimated 14-million new jobs worldwide. The same report also noted that there was an apparent “widening ICT professional skills gap” and a “shortage of skills” in the Asia-Pacific region.

PLDT is very active in partnering with schools and learning institutions to built their technology and connectivity resources in support of the education sector’s need to improve ICT learning among the students and academe.
Kat Luna-Abelarde
PLDT FVP and head of SME Business Kat Luna-Abelarde said “This initiative fully aligns with PLDT SME Nation’s efforts to empower the future generation with an ICT-enabled education system. ICT skills are no longer just added value to employment but are now necessities in today’s business and entrepreneurial landscape.” 

“An educated population is what we need to build a progressive Philippine economy, but we can’t educate tomorrow’s leaders with tools from the past. The increasingly competitive workplace is being driven by technology and digital literacy, and the Digital Campus Suite gives educators and students access to tools that will build their capability to excel in that environment. Our partnership with PLDT SME Nation helps us create a bigger impact on all aspects of education,” said Microsoft Philippines General Manager Karrie Ilagan.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

Scarvivors keep stories with hope and courage, not scars


A scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound. It forms when your body heals itself after a cut, scrape, burn, or sore. Scars usually fade over time but never go away completely. Although scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to two years. It is unlikely they will fade any more after this time.

Scarring can be very distressing, can lead to feelings of depression and affecting their daily activities.

Scars may be a reminder of pain and personal tragedy. However, scars are also a sign of healing wounds. They are a testament to an individual’s courage and resilience. Scars mean closure on whatever pain and tragedy has happened, and it is something that can be visually improved as part of the healing process. 

Scarvivor, is an advocacy from the country’s leading scar management brand Contractubex (Extractum Cepae + Heparin + Allantoin), in support of the burn centers of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) mission. As part of the advocacy, Contractubex proudly shares inspirational and life-changing stories from 6 courageous SCARvivors.
Nikoy de Guzman
“There were issues with those big scars, particularly after my first modified radical mastectomy when I was just 28. Then, I realized It’s about getting well. What you went through. And getting over that,” says Nikoy de Guzman, who has undergone a double mastectomy.

Sherilyn Bruan
“Hindi ka lang scarred physically. Pati yung self-esteem mo natamaan. Nung time na yun, I didn’t want people looking at my scars. Ngayon, I know there’s more about me than my scars,” shares Sherilyn Bruan, a survivor of the Ozone Disco fire.

Giboy Billena
“My scars are very big and my left leg was deformed. It was a very difficult experience, but with the help of many loving people especially my Mom and Dad, I am now on my road to complete recovery,” says Giboy Billena, a 13-year- old bone cancer survivor.

Rubylyn Cua Rodel
“Dahil sa scars, dati binubully ako. Sinusulatan yung libro ko ng sunog. Ganun. Pero hindi ko hinayaang masira ang buhay ko,” says Rubylyn Cua Rodel, who got burned in an accident.

Dwight Bayona
“My experience has been a painful struggle. But I didn’t let it hinder me from doing the things I wanted to do. I want others to know that you can be so much more than your scars. Just trust yourself and your will to fight,” shares Dwight Bayona, a racer who lost his leg in an accident. 

Richard Tagapan
“Ang mahalaga, muli akong makabalik sa aking tungkulin. Dala ng paninilbihan ang sugat na ito, nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob,” according to Richard Tagapan, a PNP SAF officer injured in the line of duty.


The Scarvivors event press launch on August 27, 2015, 10 am at Amici Restaurant, features talks from Dr Jose Joven Cruz, President of PAPRAS; Dr. Dorothy Dy Ching Bing, Burn Rehabilitation Consultant on burn centers in the Philippines; and Nikoy De Guzman, one of the SCARvivors, for the closing remarks. 

The SCARvivor exhibit at Exhibit Space 3, UGF Building A, SM Megamall runs from August 27, 2015 to September 2, 2015. 

We encourage you to be part of the advocacy by visiting the exhibit and extending your support to other SCARvivors out there.


You can also support the SCARvivor advocacy by purchasing Contractubex. For every Contractubex purchased, patients from selected burn centers will be given their own SCARvivor Kit. This is in line with the commitment of Contractubex to helping patients manage scars, so that someday, being SCARvivors themselves, only their stories of hope and courage remain.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

August 28, 2015

MIIS students win top prize at the International Science Enterprise Challenge

(From left) Miranda Bernadette Panaguiton, Alannah Kirsten Mitra, Sabine Chiongbian, Mathena Rain Rodas, Gianina Marie Gabrielle Reyes, Francine Mae Mamba, and Glenn Angelo Joven

High school students from the Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) bagged the top prize at the International Science Enterprise Challenge (ISEC) 2015 held recently, besting other schools from Singapore, Japan, Russia, Guam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Turkey. Kaisei High School in Japan was second place

The MIIS students who competed were Sabine Chiongbian, Glenn Angelo Joven, Francine Mae Mamba, Alannah Kirsten Mitra, Miranda Bernadette Panaguiton, Gianina Marie Gabrielle Reyes, and Mathena Rain Rodas.

A 24-hour competition for high school students from all over the world, ISEC challenges the participants’ knowledge and skills in both science and business to come up with a sustainable solution to a particular problem. The challenge is announced the same day to teams composed of three to nine members. Within 24 hours, the students have to come up with prototype, a business plan and a 3-minute video to be presented to an international board of judges. The Surya Institute and United in Diversity in Indonesia, together with the Young Entrepreneur Center in Singapore, started ISEC (then called ASEAN Science Enterprise Challenge) in 2009.

The MI students with their winning entry BioBox. (From left) Miranda Bernadette Panaguiton, Gianina Marie Gabrielle Reyes, Glenn Angelo Joven, Sabine Chiongbian, Mathena Rain Rodas, Francine Mae Mamba, and Alannah Kirsten Mitra.

For their winning entry, the MIIS students submitted a BioBox, which provides an easy, efficient way to conserve and save water, money and space. It utilizes and combines the concepts of vertical farming, terrariums, dome collectors, and water tables. Terrariums simulate the water cycle, thus making it a self-sufficient ecosystem that recycles and reuses water as well. Dome collectors gather and store rainwater for uses such as drinking, bathing, washing, watering, and the likes. Water tables collect excess water that seeps into the ground from rain and runoff. By combining all these concepts together, BioBox creates an efficient use of water while creating an organic, natural, and eco-friendly way to farm. Some crops that can be farmed in the BioBox are cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, garden cress, bok choy, brocolli, brussel sprouts, and similar green leafy vegetables.

“We are thankful and very proud of our students for bringing another honor to MIIS. This is truly a testament to what the MI school has been initiating to help prepare Filipino kids to be globally competitive and future ready. By using their multiple intelligences, our youth indeed has what it takes to engage the international community with their innovative, creative, and socially relevant ideas,” says Joy Canon-Abaquin, Founding Directress of the Multiple Intelligence International School.

Early this year, MIIS won Global 3rd place in the 14th Global Enterprise Challenge. The MIIS team competed against 28 teams from 13 countries from the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

DepEd Region I conducts career guidance for incoming SHS students in 2016

To further strengthen the goal of K to 12 Program in producing graduates equipped with skills that will prepared them for higher education, employment and entrepreneurship, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I and Grade 10 students of Pangasinan participated in the 2015 Regional Career Guidance Info Blitz held recently.

DepEd Region I Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) Dr. Arlene A. Niro highlighted the benefits of the K to 12 program in the pursuit of career advancement and opportunities, saying that the K to12 Basic Education Curriculum “will be sufficient to prepare students for work and slowly erase the common thinking that college is the only route for success and gainful employment.”

Niro added that through the program, students are given the opportunity to acquire Certificates of Competency (COC’s) and National Certificates (NC’s) in accordance with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training regulations, allowing graduates to have middle-level skills which will offer them better opportunities to be gainfully employed. 

Niro also mentioned that there will be school-industry partnership for the technical-vocational (tech-voc) track to allow students to gain work experience while studying, and offer opportunity to be absorbed by the companies.

The said event is part of the Career Guidance Advocacy Program (CGAP), which aims to provide students with relevant labor market information and career guidance to assist them in choosing their career path. The CGAP is composed of technical working groups - the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the Chair, with DepEd, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as members. The CGAP shall be implemented nationwide through a series of activities set to help students in choosing their Senior High School track.

Among the high schools that participated in the Career Guidance Info Blitz were Buenlag National High School (NHS), Doyong-Malabago NHS, and Lasip NHS in Calasiao; Banaoang NHS and Matic-Matic NHS in Sta. Barbara; Bonuan Boquig NHS, Federico N. Ceralde Integrated School (IS), and Judge Jose de Venecia, Sr. MNHS in Dagupan City; Domalandan Center IS, Estanza NHS and Malawa IS in Lingayen; Bugallon IS, Portic IS and Salomague NHS in Bugallon; Real NHS and Galarin NHS in Urbiztondo; Labrador NHS and Ramon Magsaysay IS in Labrador; Camaley NHS, Dulag NHS and Parayao NHS in Binmaley; Sanlibo NHS and Tococ NHS in Bayambang; Guelew IS, Libas NHS, Bacnar NHS, and Lilimasan NHS in San Carlos.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
enjoying wonderful world